Whether your teen is considering a two-year college, four-year college or contemplating a Gap Year, Cornerstone College Consulting will guide you through the process.

Freshmen and Sophomores

A student's first two years of high school are a time to explore, but also provide an opportunity to lay important groundwork. Cornerstone College Consulting offers a one hour informational session for freshmen and sophomores that will help students and parents understand the importance of:

Setting Goals

Choosing challenging high school courses

Involvement in extracurricular activities

Developing talents and passions

Exploring Colleges

Juniors and Seniors

Cornerstone Session

The Cornerstone Session for Juniors and Seniors delves deeply into the specifics of the college search and application process. It includes:

Conversation with student and parents to understand goals and priorities.

Prior to this meeting, student and parents are asked to fill out a questionnaire and return to consultant two days before the meeting along with the student's most recent transcript.

Following the Cornerstone Session, families decide which package suits their needs.

10 Hour PackageThis package works well for students who need partial guidance throughout the college admission process, particularly if a college list is already identified.

20 Hour PackageThis package is well suited to students who have the ability to work independently when given structure and guidelines. In addition to developing a unique list, we devote time to all facets of the student's application. Hourly ClientsCornerstone College Consulting accepts hourly/as needed clients on a space available basis.

Comprehensive Package This package is ideal for families seeking close attention and guidance throughout all phases of the college process. It includes every session listed below; however, more time and attention are devoted to specific areas important to your teen's success. It is the most cost effective for:

Students applying to highly competitive colleges requiring many essays and supplements

Students who thrive when given extra support to complete tasks

Recruited athletes

Students seeking audition/portfolio based admissions

Students with learning differences

Sessions focused on the College Search:

Knowing What Matters: Knowing what matters to a student is the cornerstone of a successful college search. During these two sessions, students are guided through a series of exercises that will allow them to assess and define their priorities for a college environment.

Part One: Personality Profile and Major Exploration (1 1/2 hours)

Part Two: College Factors and Interests (1 1/2 hours)

List Development: Using the results of the Knowing What Matters Sessions, an exploratory list of colleges is prepared for the student's consideration. As he or she researches or visits colleges, we collaborate to create a highly individualized final list including reach, possible, and anchor schools, all well suited to his or her educational goals. The student is the guiding force in creating this list, though input from the family is welcome. (Hours vary)Sessions focused on the College Application:

Organizing Session: Ideally scheduled in the summer before senior year, this session focuses on organizing some of the essential components of the application including the activity resume, collection of supplemental essay prompts, review of letter of recommendation packet, review of research assignments, college visit observations and much more. (1 1/2 hours)

Essay Work: Students are mentored through all stages of the writing process from initial brainstorming to final editing. Equal focus is devoted to the Personal Statement and college specific supplemental writing. Essay work should begin the summer before senior year. Our work with students on the essays occurs in person as well as online. (hours vary)

Developing a Plan: During this session, a detailed timeline is developed to complete and submit the application. It includes a review of college's specific application requirements. (1 hour)Application review: Prior to submission, the student’s completed application can be reviewed to minimize errors and omissions. (Hours vary)

Interview Preparation: This mock interview session helps students prepare for interviews with alumni, college faculty, and admissions professionals. (1 hour)

Guidance on final choices: Once all acceptances have been received, I am available to help students review choices and evaluate and understand financial aid packages and merit aid offers. (1 hour)

Specialized Services

Performing Arts Students: For students accomplished in the performing arts, the application process will be more extensive and require significant advance planning. Cornerstone College Consulting will provide a detailed overview on the submission of supplementary materials and provide support throughout the audition process. Referrals are available for outside coaching, recording needs, and technical editing.

Student Athletes: Students planning to continue playing their sport in college will face additional requirements throughout the admission process. It is important to understand the steps necessary to best showcase your teen’s ability. Cornerstone College Consulting will provide an overview of the recruiting process and help identify schools seeking your student’s talent.

Transfer Students: Students transfer to a different college for a variety of reasons. Cornerstone College Consulting will help current college students find a new environment that is best suited to their needs.